Townsville, Queensland

Yep, what we were told was true. There is nothing to do in Townsville apart from an Aquariam and a chance to go diving and see a preserved shipwreck but you have to be a qualified diver for that as its quite a way down. We checked into Globetrotters @ about 5:00pm, the Oz bus dropped us off at the ferry terminal so it was just a short walk away. The Oz bus was carrying on to Magnetic Island which was apparently a party Island but Vicky and I didnt fancy it and were just going to get on the next bus to Airlie Beach which was tomorrow. So there was no point going to Magnetic as we would have had to pay for the ferry ticket and accomodation over there so we stayed put in boring Townsville.

Globetrotters, the backpacker hostel we stayed in, was crap! It wasnt designed for backpackers atall as there is a curfew at 11:00pm where you have to be quiet and your not allowed to bring alcohol into the grounds. The reception closes at 7:30 and the women was like your Gran! She kept calling us 'Darl' and we just wanted to get out of there. We didnt get a good vibe. We went straight on the internet to book our next Oz bus transfer that was leaving the ferry port at 1:00pm the next afternoon. Perfect! We got on with 5 seats to spare which was lucky at such short notice. We chilled out in the room for a but and then went in search of food!

We found a Subway!!!! So much for loosing weight hey!! We had a wonder around the town but there wasnt anything going on. A few bars that were empty and lots of abandoned shops just boarded up. I was expecting to see tumble weed rolling down the road!

There was a girl in our dorm who had her ear peirced at a place nearby for $50. I was considering getting my tongue periced as it was so cheap so the next day Vicky and I went on the search for the place. We found it and had a chat with the guy who recommended I go away and think about it if I'm not sure. I went to the chemist to get some anti-flammatary tablets for when it was done and plucked up the courage! Vicky couldnt come in with me but I was a big girl and went though with it. Its always something that I have wanted to do and if I'm honest it didnt hurt. I just dribble in my sleep now, alot, as my tongue is a little swollen!

We got on the bus at 1:00 and set off for Airlie Beach. We arrived at about 5:00pm and we checked into a campsite to check out the tent. Its such a lot cheaper to camp so as we have the chance we are going to take advantage. It started to spit as we were setting it up which was just our luck!!